What Birth Injuries Are Caused by Forceps Complications?
May 12, 2023
When complications arise during the childbirth process, there are several instruments that doctors may use to facilitate the delivery and help guide the baby through the birth canal. Obstetric forceps are commonly used in complicated vaginal deliveries and are effective when used correctly. However, even a minor mistake can harm the baby and the mother.
The improper use of forceps can cause the baby to suffer a range of injuries, including the following:
- Bleeding within the skull
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Brain damage
- Cerebral palsy
- Facial injuries
- Nerve damage
- Seizures
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord damage
When forceps are misused, the mother can also suffer a range of injuries, including:
- Anemia
- Injuries to the bladder or urethra
- Short-term or long-term urinary or fecal incontinence
- Tearing in the lower genital tract
- Uterine rupture
- Weakening of the muscles and ligaments supporting the pelvic organs
How Do Forceps Cause Birth Injuries?
When used correctly, forceps are a safe and effective medical instrument doctors use to safely deliver a baby during complex or complicated labor. However, there are strict guidelines for using forceps since they can cause severe injuries to the baby if even the slightest mistake occurs. If the doctor misuses the forceps when twisting the baby into position, it can cause injuries to the baby’s spine, shoulders, and nerves.
What Are the Different Types of Forceps Malpractice?
Medical malpractice can occur when forceps are used during delivery. One of the most common types of malpractice is when forceps are misused. For example, if the physician uses too much force when gripping the baby’s head, this can cause a range of injuries. In addition, if the forceps used are too large for the baby’s head or the forceps are used in the wrong position, it can cause severe damage to the baby’s skull, brain, and nerves.
Another example of forceps malpractice is the failure to monitor the baby during the delivery properly. Doctors must closely monitor the baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels during any delivery, particularly if there are any complications where forceps need to be used. If the physician fails to monitor the baby, they may not detect signs of distress that would indicate that the use of forceps is no longer an option and that immediate action needs to be taken to address the baby’s health concerns. In some cases, an emergency C-section may be warranted. If the physician fails to recognize that a C-section is the best and safest course of action and continues using the forceps, this can cause a serious injury.
Baltimore Birth Injury Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Those Who Have Been Harmed by Forceps
Contact our Baltimore birth injury lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton if you need legal help after a preventable delivery injury. To schedule a free consultation, call 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.